Stephen Poinsett Erisman (a.k.a. Poppop, Dooball, Tippy) died peacefully at Washington Hospital Center on the evening of December 4^th, 2020, with his loving daughter by his side.

Born on March 9^th, 1943 in Wilmington, Delaware, Steve was the son of the late Hudson and Madeleine Erisman and the brother of James and David Erisman. Growing up, Steve enjoyed playing “waffle ball” and having “dirt fights” with his brothers and neighborhood pals in Liftwood, taking secret trips to Miami with his cousin Albert, and lifeguarding with the Rehoboth Beach Patrol in the summertime. He had a brilliant mind, learned to speed read as fast as he could turn the pages, was nearly unbeatable at chess and backgammon, and played a mean rendition of Beethoven’s Fur Elise. He was an avid swimmer and a decent jump shooter, but his skills at parking his dad’s car left much to be desired.

Steve was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he led the Fire Direction Control Unit that provided artillery support to a Special Forces Unit at Bu Dop, a remote outpost located near the Cambodian Border. Awarded the purple heart for taking shrapnel in battle, he turned it down, because he didn’t think he was injured enough to deserve it. However, the life-long battle he endured with multiple myeloma, osteomyelitis, and other ailments caused by the war suggested otherwise.

Steve was a devoted father who spent his days raising his three kids, and his nights working the graveyard shift as a computer analyst at Dupont. After retiring, he eventually moved to Rehoboth Beach to live and take care of his beloved mother. He spent the rest of his life there with his daughter’s family, doing his very best to support and love his grandkids.

A stalwart Philadelphia Eagles fan and season ticket holder for over 40 years, Steve made the trek every Sunday morning to tailgate at FDR Park with his buddies and cook his infamously terrible burgers, cheer for his beloved birds (“you stink Cooper!”), and listen intently to Merrill on his cheap headphones. He was both a music and a movie aficionado with a world-class record collection and stereo system that was eventually replaced by an equally impressive DVD collection. He was the ultimate Pink Floyd fan who never missed a show, and his deep connection with the band was contagious and spread throughout his entire family. He loved his dog Butler but had an irrational fear of albino ferrets.

Generosity and humor were two of Steve’s gifts to the world. We will all miss his kindness, acceptance of everyone, thoughtfulness, his laugh and his big smile. He was the king of optimism who refused to get stressed out and a strong believer in the power of “a good nights sleep” as a panacea. He had a heart of gold who gave more than he had to give and put the needs of everyone else in front of his own. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Steve is survived by his Wife, Kathryn Erisman; his children, Monica Yenovkian (Manoug), Brad Erisman (Kristin)  and Stephen Erisman; his brothers, James Erisman (Jane) & David Erisman; his grandkids, Christopher McGinley, Liliana Yenovkian , Zachary Yenovkian, Samuel Yenovkian, and Ava Yenovkian; along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

At a later date, a memorial service will be held at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel followed by a burial with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
Online guest book available at www.storkefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) HERE.